Pakistan celebrates 72nd Independence Day

KARACHI: Pakistan is celebrating 72nd Independence Day today with patriotic fervor as commemorative ceremonies are being held across the country to mark the day. 

The day began with a thirty-one gun salute in the federal capital and twenty-one gun salute in the provincial headquarters.

A change of guard ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi as cadets of Pakistan Navy took charge of their duties at the mausoleum.

Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy Commodore Waqar Muhammad was the chief guest at the ceremony.

The main event of the celebrations was a national flag hoisting ceremony at Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad. President Mamnoon Hussain was the chief guest on the occasion.

The president and caretaker Prime Minister retired Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk unfurled the national flag and the participants sang the national anthem together.  The three services chiefs were also present on the occasion.

In his speech, President Mamnoon Hussain said, “This is the day of true celebrations. August 14 rejuvenates our spirit.” He felicitated the nation on the 71st anniversary of Independence Day.

The president stressed the need for unity to steer the country out of the crises confronted by it.

He said a message is hidden in Independence Day and general elections, adding that people exercised their right to franchise on July 25 and this day reminded us that the fate of the country is to be decided through ballot.

In his message, PM Mulk said August 14 reminds us of the epic democratic struggle of our forefathers for securing a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent where they could fashion their lives according to their religious, cultural and social values.

He said the unswerving commitment to the ideals of the Quaid and following the principle of ‘Unity, Faith and Discipline’ would certainly help us overcome our present-day challenges and make Pakistan a self-reliant, economically vibrant and a prosperous country.

Flag hoisting ceremonies are being held in the provincial capitals and each district headquarters.